By now you have likely noticed that the pace at which news is posted here has slowed down substantially (okay, pretty much stopped). As is so often the case, there is good news and bad news to explain this.

Let’s start the bad. After 8 years running Gadgetorama as a one-man show, I have decided to put the site on the backburner. The reality is that one person cannot cover the world of mobile gadgets (even as I tried to narrow the site’s focus over the years) without giving up any semblance of a personal life. I’m not ruling out any new posts but it won’t be the coverage that I strove for in the past.

Now the good news (or at least what I see as good news). I am not hanging up my hat completely, just taking it somewhere else. I recently joined the team over at BriefMobile.com. You’ve probably heard of them, they’re the ones who landed the first pictures and video of the Google Nexus 10.

With a team of writers equally passionate about mobile gadgets bringing you the news, it should be a win for everyone. You get a whole more news for your buck and I don’t have to be in six places at once.

Posted by Jerome SkalnikComments Off on Google Nexus 7 Dock now available in Canada

Mar062013

It’s taken a bit of time but Google today announced via Twitter that the Google Nexus 7 dock is finally available in Canada.

Charge and dock your Nexus 7. This dock is expertly angled for optimum viewing of your Google Play movies and television shows. It comes equipped with an audio jack that is ideal for a powered speaker system. The Nexus 7 Dock features a polished exterior and a rubberized base for a sleek look and a secure hold. The micro USB port in the Nexus 7 Dock makes charging easy, so the fun never has to end!

The dock comes with a 3.5mm audio port and micro-USB port at the back. It requires Android 4.2 and audio output requires that the USB AC adapter be connected. It measures 220 by 65 by 30 millimeters and weighs 280 grams.

The Google Nexus 7 Dock sell for CA$29.99. It currently shows that it will ship within 1 to 2 weeks.

Stand out from the crowd with the Windows® Phone 8S by HTC, thanks to its fun and original design! Its features are sure to charm you! A strong, long-lasting battery, an exclusive built-in amplifier for Beats Audio and an ultra-wide-angle front camera lens

Videotron is offering the Windows Phone 8S by HTC for CA$14.95 on a “reduced price” plan and up to CA$349.95 with no contract.

Posted by Jerome SkalnikComments Off on Android 4.1 upgrade now available for Sony Xperia T in Canada

Mar042013

Sony Mobile today announced that its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade is now available in Canada for Sony Xperia T owners. According to the Facebook post:

Your Xperia™ T is about to get even better! Starting today, the Jelly Bean update to Android 4.1 for Xperia T will be available. Just plug your device into your PC and use PC Companion to install the new software.

It does not appear that an OTA update will be provided. Instead, the upgrade will have to be done through Sony’s PC Companion software using a PC.

The Sony Xperia T is offered by Bell, Mobilicity, MTS, Rogers and Vidéotron.

Posted by Jerome SkalnikComments Off on Rumour: Apple iWatch to launch this year

Mar042013

Rumours that Apple is working on a wearable device refuse to die down. A team of over 100 people led by none other than Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, is now hard at work on this so-called iWatch. Bloomberg today reports that Apple is looking to have the device out this year. The Verge corroborates the report, adding additional details as well.

The iWatch remains in development at this time. Rather than leveraging the iPod nano’s touch interface, Apple is reportedly adapting its iOS operating system to work on the watch. Battery life also remains a concern with Apple hoping to have the iWatch last up to five days between charges but only managing about 2 so far.

Features that Apple could give its iWatch include the ability to let users make calls, check map coordinates as well as typical phone capabilities such as call display. It could also include a pedometer and sensors to track health-related information such as heart rate.

Apple expects that the iWatch could be more profitable than its other much-anticipated project, an iTV. Gross margins for the global watch industry average about 60 percent. While Apple may not see similar profits, it would still benefit from significant ones. According to Citigroup Inc. analyst Oliver Chen, this could be a US$6 billion opportunity for Apple with plenty of opportunity for upside if they create something totally new like they did with the iPod — something consumers didn’t even know they needed.”

Fido this week launched two more Android smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE and the Samsung Galaxy Ace II x. Neither will be confused for a current flagship device but they come with a much easier price on the wallet.

The Galaxy S II LTE is the more powerful of the two. Sporting LTE connectivity, it comes with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 4.5-inch AMOLED Plus display, 16GB of onboard memory, and an 8MP camera capable of 1080p video capture.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace II x comes with a 1GHz single-core, Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a 4-inch WVGA (800×480) display, 4GB of internal memory and a 5MP camera. Unlike the Galaxy S II LTE which is only available in black, the Ace II x is available in either black or white.

Fido is offering the Galaxy S II LTE for CA$50 with a two-year contract or CA$450 outright. As for the Galaxy Ace II x, it is free with a two-year contract or CA$225 outright.

Posted by Jerome SkalnikComments Off on HTC Canada offers CA$100 trade-in deal to HTC One buyers

Mar012013

HTC Canada today announced that it will offer a CA$100 early trade-in deal for customers interested in purchasing the new HTC One. The offer is similar to the one that was announced in the U.S. when the HTC One was announced earlier this month. In fact, it could be worth even more depending on the device you are trading in.

The process to apply for the trade-in is pretty straightforward. Sign up on the HTC One Trade-In page by providing your email address and your carrier. Once you’ve purchased your HTC One, you’ll have to return your old phone along with your HTC One proof of purchase. Within 60 days, you should receive a prepaid Visa card for the value of the trade-in or CA$100 – whichever is greater.

The terms and conditions stipulate that the HTC One must be purchased by March 31st, confirming that it will launch before the end of the month. It also means that you’ll have to move quickly to take advantage of the offer.

It’s time to dig through the old drawer to see what old phones you still have that you could use to get yourself a sweet deal on the HTC One.